[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to elevator systems and, more
particularly, to column-integrated step access systems and devices for access to locks
and access to perform elevator maintenance.
[0002] Elevator systems include locking mechanisms that are useable by mechanics, technicians,
and other authorized persons. The locking mechanisms can be part of lintels or door
columns and located to prevent easy access thereto. However, it may be necessary to
locate the position of a lock at no more than maximum height, to enable ease of use
and access to the lock. However, if a lock is located above such maximum height, then
a ladder or other device may be required to access the lock. Accordingly, it may be
advantageous to provide improved mechanisms for accessing elevator landing door locks.
[0003] Further, once the elevator landing doors are opened, a mechanic may be required to
enter an elevator shaft to perform inspections, repairs, or other maintenance. It
may be dangerous to enter the elevator shaft, and thus reducing the exposure or requirements
of mechanics or other personnel to enter an elevator shaft may be beneficial.
[0004] According to some embodiments, elevator systems are provided. The elevator systems
include a landing door having a landing door lintel, a landing door sill, and a landing
door column, a landing door lock located in one of the landing door lintel and the
landing door column, and a column-integrated step integrated into the landing door
column, wherein the column-integrated step is deployable from a stowed state to a
deployed state, wherein when in the deployed state, the column-integrated step provides
a step for access to the landing door lock.
[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative,
further embodiments of the elevator systems may include that the column-integrated
step has a cover plate configured to engage with a surface of the landing door column
when in the stowed state and a support element configured to support the cover plate
when in the deployed state to form the step.
[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative,
further embodiments of the elevator systems may include that the cover plate includes
a step surface.
[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative,
further embodiments of the elevator systems may include that the step surface provides
at least one of anti-slip or grip properties to the cover plate.
[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative,
further embodiments of the elevator systems may include that the support element includes
an engagement element configured to engage with the landing door sill when in the
deployed state.
[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative,
further embodiments of the elevator systems may include a step cavity in the landing
door column configured to receive the column-integrated step when in the stowed state.
[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative,
further embodiments of the elevator systems may include a step lock configured to
secure the column-integrated step to the landing door column when in the stowed state.
[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative,
further embodiments of the elevator systems may include that the column-integrated
step is hingedly connected to the landing door column.
[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative,
further embodiments of the elevator systems may include that the column-integrated
step is configured to support up to 200 kg when in the deployed state.
[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative,
further embodiments of the elevator systems may include that when in the deployed
state the column-integrated step defines a step about 0.1 m above the landing door
sill.
[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative,
further embodiments of the elevator systems may include that when in the deployed
state the column-integrated step defines a step that is about 2.7 m below the landing
door lintel.
[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative,
further embodiments of the elevator systems may include that a distance from the landing
door lintel to the landing door sill is about 2.8 m.
[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative,
further embodiments of the elevator systems may include a plurality of additional
landings, wherein each additional landing includes a column-integrated step in a respective
landing door column.
[0017] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without
exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements as
well as the operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the following
description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that
the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory
in nature and non-limiting.
[0018] The subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed at the conclusion
of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the present
disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an elevator system that may employ various embodiments
of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a landing floor of an elevator system with a
hall call panel that may employ various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a lock of an elevator system that can incorporate
embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of a landing of an elevator system having a column-integrated
step in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, with the column-integrated
step in a stowed state;
FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of the column-integrated step of FIG. 4A shown
in a deployed state;
FIG. 5A illustrates a column-integrated step in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure in a stowed state;
FIG. 5B illustrates the column-integrated step of FIG. 5A in a deployed state; and
FIG.6 illustrates a mechanic using a column-integrated step in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure to perform a maintenance operation.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an elevator system 101 including an elevator car
103, a counterweight 105, a tension member 107, a guide rail 109, a machine 111, a
position reference system 113, and a controller 115. The elevator car 103 and counterweight
105 are connected to each other by the tension member 107. The tension member 107
may include or be configured as, for example, ropes, steel cables, and/or coated-steel
belts. The counterweight 105 is configured to balance a load of the elevator car 103
and is configured to facilitate movement of the elevator car 103 concurrently and
in an opposite direction with respect to the counterweight 105 within an elevator
shaft 117 and along the guide rail 109.
[0020] The tension member 107 engages the machine 111, which is part of an overhead structure
of the elevator system 101. The machine 111 is configured to control movement between
the elevator car 103 and the counterweight 105. The position reference system 113
may be mounted on a fixed part at the top of the elevator shaft 117, such as on a
support or guide rail, and may be configured to provide position signals related to
a position of the elevator car 103 within the elevator shaft 117. In other embodiments,
the position reference system 113 may be directly mounted to a moving component of
the machine 111, or may be located in other positions and/or configurations as known
in the art. The position reference system 113 can be any device or mechanism for monitoring
a position of an elevator car and/or counterweight, as known in the art. For example,
without limitation, the position reference system 113 can be an encoder, sensor, or
other system and can include velocity sensing, absolute position sensing, etc., as
will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
[0021] The controller 115 is located, as shown, in a controller room 121 of the elevator
shaft 117 and is configured to control the operation of the elevator system 101, and
particularly the movement of the elevator car 103. For example, the controller 115
may provide drive signals to the machine 111 to control the acceleration, deceleration,
leveling, stopping, etc. of the elevator car 103. The controller 115 may also be configured
to receive position signals from the position reference system 113 or any other desired
position reference device. When moving up or down within the elevator shaft 117 along
guide rail 109, the elevator car 103 may stop at one or more landings 125 as controlled
by the controller 115. Although shown in a controller room 121, those of skill in
the art will appreciate that the controller 115 can be located and/or configured in
other locations or positions within the elevator system 101. In one embodiment, the
controller 115 may be located remotely or in the cloud.
[0022] The machine 111 may include a motor or similar driving mechanism. In accordance with
embodiments of the disclosure, the machine 111 is configured to include an electrically
driven motor. The power supply for the motor may be any power source, including a
power grid, which, in combination with other components, is supplied to the motor.
The machine 111 may include a traction sheave that imparts force to tension member
107 to move the elevator car 103 within elevator shaft 117.
[0023] Although shown and described with a roping system including tension member 107, elevator
systems that employ other methods and mechanisms of moving an elevator car within
an elevator shaft may employ embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments
may be employed in ropeless elevator systems using a linear motor to impart motion
to an elevator car. Embodiments may also be employed in ropeless elevator systems
using a hydraulic lift to impart motion to an elevator car. FIG. 1 is merely a non-limiting
example presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an elevator system 201 that may incorporate
embodiments disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 2, an elevator car 203 is located at
a landing 225. The elevator car 203 may be called to the landing 225 by a passenger
or mechanic 227 that desires to travel to another floor within a building or perform
maintenance on a portion of the elevator system 201. In some situations, the mechanic
227 may wish to lock a feature of the elevator system, e.g., the elevator doors, an
elevator trap, etc., such that the feature(s) cannot be opened or closed (e.g., to
prevent unauthorized persons from accessing the elevator system 201 or portions thereof).
For example, such situation may arise when the mechanic 227 wishes to access the elevator
car and/or shaft to perform maintenance. Such control or locking can be achieved by
a lock hole in a landing door lintel 229 of the elevator system 201 (which may be
located at one or more landings 225). Also shown FIG. 2 is a landing door column 231
that frames and supports a landing door 233, as will be appreciated by those of skill
in the art. The landing door 233 may move or be guided along the landing door lintel
229 and a landing door sill 235, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
[0025] Turning to FIG. 3, an access device 337 for use with a lock 339 of an elevator system
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Although shown
and described herein as a key-type "access device," the term "access device" may refer
to any access key, tool, or other mechanism that can be used to lock/unlock an elevator
landing door. As shown, the lock 339 is an elevator door lock located within a landing
door lintel 329. In other configurations, the lock 339 may be located in a landing
door column 331 of an elevator doorway. The access device 337 is configured to fit
within an aperture or keyway of the lock 339. Those of skill in the art will appreciate
that the locks and keys described herein are not limited to door locks, but rather
may be employed in any locks of elevator systems. For example, in other configurations,
the lock may be part of a door column or trap inside an elevator car or may be a lock
of other parts of elevator systems. Thus, FIG. 3 is merely illustrative and not intended
to be limiting. The lock 339 can include access prevention devices or mechanisms configured
within the lock 339 to prevent the access device 337 from entering the aperture of
the lock 339. As appreciated by those of skill in the art, the access device 337 is
specifically designed for engagement and use with the specific lock 339.
[0026] To unlock a landing door lock, such as shown in FIG. 3, an authorized person must
be able to reach the lock. In some configurations, the location of the lock may be
higher than is reachable without aid. For example, when the lock is located in a landing
door lintel or when the lock is placed near the lintel or high on a landing door column,
some kind of assistance may be required for a person to engage the access device (e.g.,
key) with the lock. Such assistance may be in the form of a ladder or step ladder.
However, use of a ladder or step ladder may be cumbersome or inefficient, and thus
improved mechanisms to aid operation and access to landing door locks of elevators
systems may be useful.
[0027] Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4B, schematic illustrations of a column-integrated step 400
for use in maintenance operations of an elevator are shown. The column-integrated
step 400 is a foldable or deployable system that integrates a step that a user can
stand on to reach a landing door lock, to thus unlock the landing door. FIG. 4A illustrates
the column-integrated step 400 in a stowed state and FIG. 4B illustrates the column-integrated
step 400 in a deployed state.
[0028] The column-integrated step 400 is integrated into a landing door column 431 of a
frame of a landing door 433 of an elevator system. The frame of the landing door 433
includes a landing door sill 435 and a landing door lintel 429, with two landings
door panels 433a, 433b. A landing door lock may be located in the landing door lintel
429 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3) or at a relatively high location along the landing
door column 431 (e.g., proximate the landing door lintel 429). The column-integrated
step 400 provides for easy access to the landing door lock. As shown in FIG. 4B, a
distance between the landing door sill 435 and the landing door lintel 429 is a first
height H1. The first height H1 may be too large for a user to easily reach the landing
door lock. Accordingly, the column-integrated step 400 is deployable as shown in FIG.
4B to reduce the distance to the landing door lock to a second height H2. That is,
the distance from the column-integrated step 400 to the landing door lintel 429 is
the second height H2, which is less than the first height H1. As such, the maximum
distance a user of the column-integrated step 400 employs or is required to reach
will be less than the maximum distance if no column-integrated step 400 was present.
[0029] In some non-limiting examples, the first height H1 may be about 2.8 m and the second
height H2 may be about 2.7 m. That is, in this example, the column-integrated step
400 may reduce the distance to the landing door lintel 429 by about 0.1 m. Stated
another way, when deployed, the column-integrated step 400 may form a step or standing
surface about 0.1 m from the landing door sill 435. This is merely an example, and
other dimensions may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some embodiments, the column-integrated step 400 may be used as a platform or other
structure to support a step or ladder. That is, the column-integrated step 400 may
reduce the distance to the location of the lock in a lintel or column, but a technician
or mechanic may still use other devices to gain access to the lock, in addition to
the column-integrated step. Further, in some embodiments, a technician or mechanic
may employ an oversized (e.g., long) key that is able to reach a portion of the distance
between the sill and the lock, and by standing on the column-integrated step 400,
the user may reach any additional distance required to access the lock.
[0030] Turning now to FIGS. 5A-5B, enlarged schematic illustrations of a column-integrated
step 500 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. The
column-integrated step 500 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, and is usable
to reduce a distance or height from a standing location to a landing door lock of
an elevator system. FIG. 5A illustrates the column-integrated step 500 in a stowed
state and FIG. 5B illustrates the column-integrated step 500 in a deployed state.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 5A, the column-integrated step 500 is integrated into a landing
door column 531 which is part of a frame for a landing door 533. The column-integrated
step 500 is located proximate a landing door sill 535. The column-integrated step
500 includes a cover plate 502 and a step lock 504. The step lock 504 secures the
column-integrated step 500 into the landing door column 531. In some embodiments,
the step lock 504 may be similar to the type lock used for the landing door (e.g.,
landing door lock 339 shown in FIG. 3), and thus only a single key is required to
unlock the column-integrated step 500 and the landing door lock. The cover plate 502
may provide for a smooth or flush engagement of the column-integrated step 500 within
a step cavity 506 (shown in FIG. 5B) such that the cover plate 502 covers the step
cavity 506 and provides for a substantially smooth and/or uniform surface of the landing
door column 531.
[0032] After unlocking the step lock 504, the cover plate 502 may fold or deploy to form
a step as shown in FIG. 5B. The cover plate 502, in this embodiment, is hingedly connected
to the landing door column 531 at a step hinge 508. The column-integrated step 500
includes a support element 510 and a step surface 512. The support element 510 may
be a support arm or support leg that extends from the cover plate 502 or is attached
to the cover plate 502 to provide support to the cover plate 502 and the step surface
512. In some non-limiting examples, the support element 510, in combination with the
cover plate 502, may be configured to support up to 200 kg, and in some embodiments,
may be configured to support up to 150 kg. The step surface 512 may be an integral
part of the cover plate 502 or may be a separate element attached to the cover plate
502. In some embodiments, the step surface 512 is textured to provide anti-slip or
grip properties to the column-integrated step 500.
[0033] In some embodiments, as shown, the support element 510 can include a sill engagement
element 514. The sill engagement element 514 may be a footing or extension that is
configured to provide a firm and stable support to the column-integrated step 500.
In some embodiments, the sill engagement element 514 may physically attach or connect
to the landing door sill 535, such as by a fasteners, clasp, hook-and-loop, etc.,
as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
[0034] Turning now to FIG. 6, a schematic illustration of a mechanic 616 using a column-integrated
step 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown,
the mechanic 616 is standing on a cover plate 602/step surface 612 to gain access
to components 618 of an elevator car 603. The mechanic 616 is standing in a landing
door area, with a landing door opened. The landing door may be opened through access
at a landing door lock located in a landing door lintel 629. To access the landing
door lock, the mechanic 616 would unlock and deploy the column-integrated step 600.
That is, the mechanic 616 can unlock a step lock and fold down the cover plate 602/step
surface 612, and deploy a support element 610 to engage with a landing door sill 635.
Then, standing on the column-integrated step 600, the mechanic 616 can reach the landing
door lock, whether it is located in the landing door lintel 629 or relatively high
on a landing door column 631.
[0035] Further, as shown, in FIG. 6, the mechanic 616 is able to perform maintenance on
components of the elevator car 603 from the landing. That is, the mechanic 616 is
not required to enter an elevator shaft 617 to perform the maintenance on the components
618 of the elevator car 603. After completion of the maintenance work, the mechanic
616 can fold or collapse the column-integrated step 600 such that the parts thereof
fit within a step cavity 606 located in the landing door column 631. The step lock
can be used to secure the column-integrated step 600 in the landing door column 631.
[0036] As provided herein, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to column-integrated
steps that enable ease of access to landing door locks and elevator maintenance from
a landing. The column-integrated step is integrated into a column of the landing such
that when not in use, the integrated step is not visible or has minimal visual impact
and further may be structurally flush or substantially flush with the column. The
column-integrated step may be secured into a stowed state using a step lock, as described
above. When use is required, a key, such as a triangular key as known in the art,
may be used to unlock and deploy the column-integrated step. The deployed column-integrated
step may provide sufficient support and stability to support the weight of a mechanic
(plus tools) and provide a steady and sturdy platform or step to stand upon.
[0037] Advantageously, embodiments described herein enable a simple and efficient mechanism
for access to landing door locks at elevator system landings. The column-integrated
step can eliminate the need for a mechanic to carry a ladder or step stool or similar
device when performing maintenance. Moreover, advantageously, the column-integrated
step may enable larger or taller elevator landings, while maintaining accessibility
to a landing door lock. Further, the column-integrated steps of the present disclosure
may be implemented at one or more than one or all of the landings of a given elevator
system, thus providing easy access to a landing door lock at each landing of the system.
Furthermore, the step lock prevents unauthorized access or operation of the column-integrated
step of the present disclosure.
[0038] As used herein, the use of the terms "a," "an," "the," and similar references in
the context of description (especially in the context of the following claims) are
to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated
herein or specifically contradicted by context. The modifier "about" used in connection
with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the
context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the
particular quantity).
[0039] While the present disclosure has been described in detail in connection with only
a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the present
disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the present disclosure
can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions,
combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described,
but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally,
while various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to
be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the
described embodiments.
[0040] Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing
description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
1. An elevator system comprising:
a landing door having a landing door lintel, a landing door sill, and a landing door
column;
a landing door lock located in one of the landing door lintel and the landing door
column; and
a column-integrated step integrated into the landing door column, wherein the column-integrated
step is deployable from a stowed state to a deployed state,
wherein when in the deployed state, the column-integrated step provides a step for
access to the landing door lock.
2. The elevator system of claim 1, wherein the column-integrated step comprises:
a cover plate configured to engage with a surface of the landing door column when
in the stowed state; and
a support element configured to support the cover plate when in the deployed state
to form the step.
3. The elevator system of claim 2, wherein the cover plate includes a step surface.
4. The elevator system of any of claims 3, wherein the step surface provides at least
one of anti-slip or grip properties to the cover plate.
5. The elevator system of any of claims 2-4, wherein the support element includes an
engagement element configured to engage with the landing door sill when in the deployed
state.
6. The elevator system of any preceding claim, further comprising a step cavity in the
landing door column configured to receive the column-integrated step when in the stowed
state.
7. The elevator system of any preceding claim, further comprising a step lock configured
to secure the column-integrated step to the landing door column when in the stowed
state.
8. The elevator system of any preceding claim, wherein the column-integrated step is
hingedly connected to the landing door column.
9. The elevator system of any preceding claim, wherein the column-integrated step is
configured to support up to 200 kg when in the deployed state.
10. The elevator system of any preceding claim, wherein when in the deployed state the
column-integrated step defines a step about 0.1 m above the landing door sill.
11. The elevator system of any preceding claim, wherein when in the deployed state the
column-integrated step defines a step that is about 2.7 m below the landing door lintel.
12. The elevator system of any preceding claim, wherein a distance from the landing door
lintel to the landing door sill is about 2.8 m.
13. The elevator system of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of additional
landings, wherein each additional landing includes a column-integrated step in a respective
landing door column.